Wonderland Forest, a 400-acre concert venue in Otisco, NY, announced on May 14, the venue will be “on pause” for the summer. The decision came after a recent ruling regarding local mass gathering and noise level laws.
With the new ruling, Wonderland Forest announced their concerts would be moving to the Westcott Theater in Syracuse for the 2025 season. Owner Dan Mastronardi wrote on Wonderland Forest’s website that the venue will return next season stronger than before.
“We don’t feel this is our finale, but rather the beginning of our next crescendo,” Mastronardi said.
The venue has grown in popularity in the past few years with multiple day festivals and on-site camping. Despite this, Wonderland Forest faces scrutiny by the people of Otisco and LaFayette for noise and safety concerns over the thousands of concert-goers that disturb nearby residents.
Wonderland Forest is not the only venue facing this backlash from its community. In the past year, other venues like Forest Hills Stadium in New York City faced similar challenges with nearby residents. In 2024, the venue brought in over 450 complaints in the past year according to NYC service requests. While Forest Hills plans to remain open, nearby residents are jaded.
Wonderland Forest’s decision to move to the Westcott Theater in Syracuse will allow the shows to go on, with a new outdoor courtyard including a full bar and pizza provided by Fat Boy Pizza Co. “This is a wonderful opportunity for us to continue with the same music experiences as originally planned, while ensuring a smooth and memorable concert environment,” Mastronardi said in a release on the venue’s website.
While Dogs in a Pile, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and Leftover Salmon shows will continue at the Westcott, Into the Woods (June 26-28) festival is cancelled and ticket holders should expect a full refund.
For more information on the event changes to shows at Wonderland Forest this summer, visit here.
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